The quick comparison
| Hiyo | Kava (BBCo Orange Dream) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Sparkling "social tonic" with a blend of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals | Sparkling drink made with kava root, a traditional South Pacific drink |
| Key ingredients | Ashwagandha, lion's mane, L-theanine, lemon balm, passion flower, ginger (1.7 g total) | Kava |
| Calories | 30 | 50 |
| Taste | Light, fruity seltzer | Zesty orange with an earthy kava finish |
| Best moment | Anytime, daytime | End of the workday, evenings |
| Price | About $3.75 per can | From $36 per 4-pack |
| Buy | Check price on Amazon | Shop Orange Dream |
What's in Hiyo
Hiyo blends several ingredients at lower amounts: adaptogens like ashwagandha, the mushroom lion's mane, the amino acid L-theanine, and herbs like lemon balm and passion flower. The brand describes the feeling as "the float." It's gentle and easy to drink throughout the day.
What kava is
Kava is a single plant, a root that people in Fiji, Vanuatu and across the South Pacific have prepared as a shared evening drink for centuries. Kava bars have brought it to the US, and canned kava drinks have made it easy to drink at home. People drink it to unwind at the end of the day, and it's a more distinct experience than a lightly functional seltzer.
Which should you choose?
Pick Hiyo if you want something light and fruity to sip during the day, or you're not ready for a new plant.
Pick kava if you want to replace the after-work drink, not just have a flavored seltzer. It's the closer match to the ritual of a beer or a glass of wine.
Our kava pick
Botanical Brewing's Kava Orange Dream is the kava we hand to Hiyo fans first. It's sparkling and fruit-forward, so it won't feel like a big jump, but it's a different drink once you're a few sips in.
Prefer to stick with Hiyo?
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kava if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Skip kava if you have a liver condition or drink heavily. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or medications that affect the liver, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Rules on kava vary by place. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can or shell is one serving. Don't mix kava with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
Does Hiyo have kava in it?
No. Hiyo uses a blend of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals like ashwagandha, lion's mane, L-theanine and lemon balm. It doesn't contain kava.
Is Hiyo or kava better for replacing alcohol?
Kava is the closer replacement for an after-work drink. Hiyo is a lighter, anytime seltzer.
Can you drink Hiyo and kava together?
We'd keep it simple and have one at a time, and avoid mixing either with alcohol.
